The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand as told in John's Gospel is a very well-known Bible story; in fact it's one of the few miracles which is recorded in all four Gospels (see also Luke 9:12, Mark 6:36, Matthew 14:16). However, John's account is slightly longer and contains a detail which is not found in the others. See if you can pick it out.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "It would take almost a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." (John 6:5-15)

Did you find it? The detail which is missing from the other three Gospels is the little boy from whose meal Jesus creates the feast.

As I play this scene out in my mind, I imagine the apostles making their way through the crowd calling out for anyone who might have a scrap of food to share. Their desperation and their desire to please the Lord would have been written on their faces and evident in their voices.

In the midst of all of this, a boy comes forward and selflessly offers all that he has. From this simple offering, Jesus performs His miracle.

There are many ways Jesus could have solved this problem. He could have rained bread from Heaven, or He could have waved His hands and filled their stomachs. Instead, He took what was freely offered and turned it into something miraculous.

This pattern is repeated time and time again in our own lives. There are many ways God can help us during our times of need, but the most common pattern is for God to take what we offer and turn it into something greater than we can do on our own.

In conjunction with asking God for help, we need to ensure that we do the part that we can do. If we've lost our job, then we need to start working on our résumé right away. If we have an exam coming up, we need to study. Only once we have done all that we can do will God take over and do what only He can do.

If we are asking God to open doors for us, we need to be standing at the doorstep, ready to enter.

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Comments

I've tried and tried to quit chewing I do want to stay around to watch my kid grow up I HAVE PRAYED AND PRAYED i HAVE TO OVERCOME THIS TEMTATION ITS GOT A HOLD ON ME i'M VERY UPSET PLEASE RESPOND

11/23/2007 3:25:56 PM
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anonymous

So glad I rediscovered this site!! Thanks again....

11/25/2007 3:57:57 PM
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anonymous

Hi, I just wanted to reply to the 1st comment left on this page. I feel the hurt and the struggle you've been experiencing through your words. I think that reaching out for help beyond yourself is the next step...even a drug addiction rehab/treatment center. God can use those around us in the body of Christ to help us overcome sin and temptation. I just did a few google searches and there are several different ones - specifically, I reviewed a video about Pacific Hills Treatment Center. Even just making a phone call would at least give you an idea of what options you might have. God bless. Be sure that God loves you and that change is possible because all things are possible with God. He created you! love, your sister in Christ.

11/26/2007 2:18:03 PM
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anonymous

WHATEVER HABIT WE HAVE CAN BE GIVEN TO CHRIST TO RID US OF IT-WE NEED TO BE SINCERE & ATTEND ANY ADDICTION MEETINGS TO RECEIVE STRENGTH FROM FELLOE ADDICTED RECOVERING THRU FAITH & DOING THE 12 STEPS. I HAVE BEEN RECOVERED FROM MANY BAD BEHAVIORS. ONLY THE STRENGTH OF CHRIST KEEPS ME RECOVERED! 3ABN ADVENTIST CHANNEL ON SUNDAY @ 5PM THE COUNSELOR IS CHEERIE PEETERS-SHE TRAVELS ALL OVER THE COUNTRYSHE HERSELF WAS ON THE STREET @ 11YR OF AGE. 3 ANGELS BROADCAST. LOVE YOU IN CHRIST.

1/30/2008 4:03:26 PM
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anonymous

for the person in comment no.1, first of all you are not putting your trust in God. you need contine to pray, and ask God to help you with your situation, recieve,and believe and TRUST that God is going to take care of it for you.

3/8/2008 12:21:03 AM
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anonymous

Hello I have applied for a job and I have been to the interview and had my references checked. I am worried that I will not get the job. I really want this job because I am really bored of my current job and I feel that I'm wasting my talent ans skills. I have been praying and I hope that God will help me. I know that I have done everything in my power to get the job. Now it is up to selection panel.

5/26/2008 2:02:15 AM
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anonymous

You know the comment 1 sounds like me just over a month ago. I had smoked for about 30 years and when it came time to quit as the church told me that christians don't do such things, I couldn't.

I prayed and prayed. I read about the thorn in the side and how Satan would buffet you about for such and how this could serve to keep one humble but I too wanted to do so for my health and my children and theirs.But also because it greatly bothered the minister and teacher at the church to the point of anger, criticism and judgment which God says that we should not do anything that may seem right but it holds back or causes another to stumble in their walk with God.

I had done fasting before for healing reasons and prayer but never knowingly experienced anything for myself but they were abstinence from eating but drank fluids. This time I did a total abstinence for 30 hours and when I finished, I didn't crave cigarettes anymore and it has been awhile and I get an occasional twinge but nothing I can't handle by just saying forget it and shaking it off as Paul did the deadly snake.

I know the comment belongs elsewhere but it seems it goes where it fits at the moment. I will repost it in healing.

6/15/2008 1:22:32 AM
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shurdell, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/22/2008

can god see my hard time i will fight to get out of this

8/18/2008 4:08:04 PM
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anonymous

I feel God doesn't want you to clean yourself up first and then come to him. He wants you to sacrafice and give what you do have and he will take care of the rest. It's the point of showing you are willing to give what you got that he is looking for and admitting you need his help in whatever it is you are struggling with..whether it be a relationship, your walk with him, or an addiction!! These devotionals are sooo amazing! I get up and read a different one everyday!!

12/18/2008 1:00:22 PM
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anonymous

I can relate to the fight concerning addiction.
My hubby and I have just gone through a really tough time. He is born-again Christian and have been struggling with a drug addiction for many years. Last year he relapsed really badly to the point where he does not know what will happen with his job. I came upon this site because he had a meeting with his boss and the outcome is inconclusive. They still have to make a decision regarding keeping him or letting him go. I am at the point where all I know is that God is still the CEO of this world and all we can rely on now is His Grace and Mercy. Nothing else is certain, but His love for us.
Romans 8:28. Maybe this is God's way of working this addiction out of his life for good because I have never seen him pray as much and as earnestly as I have these past few weeks.

1/15/2009 9:54:52 AM
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anonymous

me and my husband have just recently give our lives to Christ i have been saved before but went the other way but now that i have found my way back there is no turning back i use to do drugs sell them and what not but it took something to happen to us in order for us to seek god and change it was like we were trying to change before we stopped and that wasnt working now we are happier than ever and enjoying life and what it has to offer we are ready for whatever comes our way the devil cant steal our joy

4/6/2009 7:55:49 PM
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anonymous

I have an examine comming up i have not study. thanks for the wiords of wisdom.God will heip me but i have to do my part.

4/28/2009 9:33:28 AM
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anonymous

God and Jesus are the Power Source. They will provide the power, but you must stay plugged in. You cannot expect to be successful, if you unplug yourself from the Power Source and try to do it on your own. It doesn't work. Staying plugged in means that you keep focus on the task at hand, whether it's tobacco, dope, or any other addiction. It's not easy, but it is worth it. Stay the course and trust in the Lord.

Gene Harvey

4/30/2009 10:46:39 AM
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Ggharv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/28/2009

Thanks and God Bless

5/10/2009 7:23:58 AM
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anonymous

The scripture is Mark 6:36 please correct; thank you and, I guess I overlook that knowing it was a lad lunch I just took for granted that all scripture stated it.

Growing in Christ

6/1/2009 10:00:55 AM
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anonymous

Fixed....Thanks!

6/1/2009 11:58:28 AM
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Michael Lane

Please pray for me that I will know what I have in my hand and give it to God so He can use it
God Bless!!

6/29/2009 1:35:12 AM
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anonymous

Wow...our God is SO awesome! After praying for my husband to know the Lord for over 10 years and then having to take my kids and leave due to the abuse that occurred while he drank finally came to an end when the Lord answered my prayers a little over a month ago now! There was a point where during my time of seperation that I questioned it all...but I kept crying out to the Lord to save my husband and my family and 18 months later we are back together with CHRIST at the center of our family! GOD DOES HEAR OUR PRAYERS! You may have to wait a LOT longer than you'd like and you may have to go through hard times but HE never leaves or forsakes us! He is FAITHFUL! There is so much more to this story..but not enough time to write it all...just know that God hears our prayers and our crys. And remember that His ways are not ours...but He ALWAYS does whats best for us! ALL GLORY TO GOD!

7/8/2009 2:23:13 AM
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anonymous

I messed up alot in High School and I have realized what I have done and now im fixing everything up, I really want to return to my old High School so I can graduate, its hard and ive been having this feeling that they may not let me return, ive learned my lesson and I have been focusing mainly on school. Ive been praying really hard, and trying to consist a close relationship with GOD. I just want to return and just make my parents proud but I just don't know, I know God is with me though, he's always has been there and he's done such amazing things for me and my family. I just pray that I do go back and I make self and parents proud, and have a successful life. Im just asking for all you guys to pray for me please! and GOD BLESSS!

5/14/2011 10:47:31 PM
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kingsdaughter94, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/14/2011

I want to get a transfer to a new location near my home. Same company same position. I'm scared of them saying no. The store I'm at is currently struggling as it was before I came on board. It may doing worse i don't know I've made so improvements but not enough. The new location has many possibilities. I know with Gods help I can make this work if it is his will. I know now what I need to do for preparation. Thank you Jesus for directing me to this page.

7/17/2013 7:44:37 AM
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Morejesus, Member of Delve into Jesus since 7/17/2013

… Im fighting a war with the devil, he puts thoughts in my head, I'm only a teenager, it just started a month ago or so maybe longer and her throws insults at me , any possible that he can, it got so bad that i hurt myself…… i got help but getting help from people of the earth isn't going to be enough asking help from God is the only way i can get it to stop and not just once i have to play my part in this to

2/3/2014 7:25:50 PM
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sarah1114, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/3/2014

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